Osteoporosis: the silent disease - Osteoporosis is a serious condition which affects millions of people around the world. The 'silent disease,' which gives very few symptoms, affects your bone density.

As with many diseases, prevention is key. Click to discover more about this covert condition, and what you can do to prevent it.

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Prevention is extremely important - When you have osteoporosis the main worry is not to brake a bone. According to Everyday Health, the best way to do this is to wear safe footwear and install aides that will help you stay upright at home.

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Medication - There are some medications which can help improve bone density, which must be prescribed by a doctor.

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Tobacco is harmful - Health24 says that people who smoke run higher risks of developing osteoporosis.

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Avoid excessive drinking - According to NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases, people who consume too much alcohol also risk developing osteoporosis.

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Eating disorders are a risk - People who suffer from eating disorders, such as anorexia, are also more likely to have osteoporosis, reports Health24.

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Calcium is fundamental - Our bones suffer when we lack calcium in our diet. WebMD states that this contributes to the loss of bone density, so both calcium and vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium, are fundamental in the prevention of osteoporosis!

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Tests - A bone density test helps doctors diagnose if you have are developing osteoporosis or not. It checks the strength of your bones and sees if there are treatments which can help make them stronger, according to the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases.

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Menopause - Between five and seven years after going through menopause, a woman can lose up to 20% of their bone density, according to Health24.

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Avoid sodas - WebMD refers to some studies which show that sodas cause a loss of bone density. Consuming phosphorus, which is found in these drinks, in excess, makes it harder for the body to absorb calcium.

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Low hormone levels - Low hormone levels can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. In women, the loss of your period can lead to this. In men, a low level of estrogen is the cause, according to the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases.

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Sport is essential - In the same way that your muscles need exercise, so too do your bones. According to WebMD, exercise which helps you lose weight is the best, but playing other sports can also help.

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Physical exercise - Because older people have a higher risk of falling and injuring themselves, they should implement some form of exercise program to help improve their basic balance, posture and to strengthen muscles.

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Origin - Osteoporosis is known as the 'silent disease' because it shows few symptoms. Sometimes it's just owing to an injuring, shock or fall that a sufferer discovers that they have it, according to the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases.

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Loss of bone density - According to Everyday Health, it is normal to lose bone density as we age. After the age of 40 our bone density typically starts to decline.

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Treatment - The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases recommends a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, a good exercise regime, a healthy lifestyle and medication as good ways to treat osteoporosis.

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Men develop it later in life - Health24 states that men tend to develop osteoporosis between 10 to 15 years later in life than women, usually because their bodies are larger and have more bone density to lose.

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More common in women - According to the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases, osteoporosis can develop in men and women of any age, but it is most common in older women.

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Most likely to develop it - Health24 says that Caucasian and Asian people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others.

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Factors - There are many factors that can contribute to the loss of bone density. The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases states that factors including sex, age, weight, ethnicity and family history are all important.

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Comparing men and women - According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in every three women over the age of 50 will suffer from an osteoporosis fracture, compared to one in every five men.

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Fractures worldwide - The International Osteoporosis Foundation also states that osteoporosis causes over 8.9 million fractures each year, all over the world. This is equivalent to one every three seconds.

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Women - It's estimated that 200 million women are affected by osteoporosis worldwide. One tenth of these women are aged 60 and over, a fifth are 70 and over, two fifths are 80 over and two thirds are 90 years old and over, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

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Wrong diagnosis? - The International Osteoporosis Foundation states that the numbers show women with fractures to be incorrectly diagnosed and consequently not receiving the correct treatment for osteoporosis.

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Age group at risk - Approximately 75% pelvic, spine and arm fractures occur in people who are aged 65 and over, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

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